Trip from Patterson, NY to Buffalo, NY

Drive Time

7h 34m

Distance

357 mi

575 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$58

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min

4 AM

7h 24m ★

6 AM

7h 34m

8 AM

7h 54m

10 AM

7h 41m

12 PM

7h 39m

3 PM

7h 42m

5 PM

7h 53m

8 PM

7h 28m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Patterson, NY

Renan Tagliaferro

Trip Overview

Traveling from Patterson to Buffalo covers 357 miles across the Northeast, making for a substantial journey that takes approximately 7 hours and 34 minutes. This drive is designed as a single-day trip, though the length demands a focused approach behind the wheel. You should budget roughly $58 for fuel to complete the trek. By utilizing NY 17, I-86, and the Genesee Expressway, you maintain a consistent pace across the state. Whether you are heading west for business or leisure, this route provides a direct corridor across New York that is best tackled with a clear plan for breaks.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

178.5 miles from Patterson, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 45m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a highway-focused experience, as 83% of your travel takes place on high-speed roads. The character of the drive is defined by efficient transit, featuring a longest uninterrupted stretch of 109.5 miles along NY 17. You will find that the transitions between these major arteries are fairly straightforward, allowing you to settle into a rhythm once you reach the primary highway system. While the route prioritizes speed and directness, the combination of interstate and expressway driving ensures you cover the 357-mile distance without navigating complex local detours.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 31 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

NY 17 is the longest continuous segment at about 109.5 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 and I 86. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 31.7 miles in.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 357 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 31.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 158.7 miles (I 86; NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 350.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 18 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

31.7 mi into trip | ~40m in

Take the exit toward NY 17K: Montgomery, Newburgh

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 34 Toward NY 17K: Montgomery, Newburgh

158.7 mi into trip | ~3h 22m in | I 86; NY 17

Keep slight left at fork onto I 86; NY 17 toward I 86: Corning

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane. Toward I 86: Corning

350.9 mi into trip | ~7h 24m in

Take the exit toward I 190 North: Downtown Buffalo, Niagara Falls

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 53 Toward I 190 North: Downtown Buffalo, Niagara F...

356.3 mi into trip | ~7h 32m in

Take the exit toward Buffalo, Outer Harbor, Church Street

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 7 Toward Buffalo, Outer Harbor, Church Street

356.7 mi into trip | ~7h 33m in | NY 384 / Delaware Avenue

Turn left onto NY 384 / Delaware Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Towns Along This Route

Between Patterson, NY and Buffalo, NY, road signs point toward Newburgh, Binghamton and Letchworth Park.

Newburgh

31.7 mi in | ~40m

Binghamton

48.9 mi in | ~1h 4m

Letchworth Park

291.6 mi in | ~5h 56m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
NY 17	109.5 mi	2h 17m
I 86	100 mi	1h 56m
Genesee Expressway	32.9 mi	37m
I 84	27.3 mi	32m
Aurora Expressway	12.5 mi	14m
Varysburg Road	10.9 mi	15m
Big Tree Road	10.5 mi	15m
State Highway 17K	10 mi	13m

Longest stretch: NY 17 — 109.5 mi, about 2h 17m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Patterson, NY and Buffalo, NY.

Start on NY 311

4.2 mi · 7 min · State Highway 311

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 30 sec

Toward Newburgh

Merge onto I 84

27 mi · 32 min · I 84

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec

Exit 34 Toward NY 17K: Montgomery, Newburgh Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn right onto NY 17K

6.9 mi · 9 min · NY 17K

Turn slight left onto NY 17K

10 mi · 13 min · State Highway 17K

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 37 sec

Toward I 86 West, NY 17 West: Wurtsboro, Binghamton

Merge onto NY 17

110 mi · 2 hr 17 min · NY 17

Use the none lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 86; NY 17

100 mi · 1 hr 56 min · I 86; NY 17

Toward I 86: Corning Use the none lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 390

33 mi · 37 min · Genesee Expressway

Toward I 390: Rochester

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 23 sec

Exit 6 Toward NY 36: Mount Morris, Letchworth Park

Turn left onto NY 36

4.3 mi · 7 min · Sonyea Road

Continue on NY 36

1.8 mi · 4 min · Main Street

Continue on NY 36

1.3 mi · 1 min · Mount Morris Road

Turn left onto CR 64

2.3 mi · 3 min · Perry Road

Continue on US 20A

7.4 mi · 10 min · Leicester Road

Continue on US 20A

4.6 mi · 8 min · East Buffalo Street

Continue on US 20A

1.7 mi · 2 min · West Buffalo Road

Continue on US 20A

11 mi · 15 min · Varysburg Road

Continue on US 20A

11 mi · 15 min · Big Tree Road

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 30 sec

Merge onto NY 400

13 mi · 14 min · Aurora Expressway

Use the none lane.

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 27 sec

Toward I 90 East: Buffalo

Merge onto I 90

1.3 mi · 1 min · New York State Thruway

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min

Exit 53 Toward I 190 North: Downtown Buffalo, Niagara Falls Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 190

4.9 mi · 6 min · Niagara Thruway

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 33 sec

Exit 7 Toward Buffalo, Outer Harbor, Church Street Use the slight right lane.

Continue on NY 5

521 ft · 21 sec · Church Street

Turn left onto NY 384

0.2 mi · 29 sec · Delaware Avenue

Use the left lane.

Enter roundabout onto NY 384

0.2 mi · 30 sec · Niagara Square

Arrive at destination

NY 384

Trip Plan

To manage the 7-hour and 34-minute drive effectively, plan for at least two dedicated stops to stretch your legs and refresh. Leaving early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid fatigue and navigate the longer stretches of the highway while traffic remains manageable. Because you are committed to a highway-heavy path, keep an eye on your fuel gauge during the 109.5-mile stretch on NY 17, as service opportunities can be spaced out. Since this is a long haul for a single day, maintain flexibility in your schedule to account for potential congestion along the major corridors.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 178.5 miles from Patterson, NY, or about 3h 45m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 109.5 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 80 miles or 1h 43m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 178.5 miles or 3h 45m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 6h 6m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Buffalo, NY than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Patterson, NY so your first major turns are already loaded.

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Patterson, NY

This is one driving day of about 357 miles and 7h 34m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Patterson, NY.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.

The longest stretch is on NY 17 for about 109.5 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 178.5 mi from Patterson, NY · 3h 45m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Syracuse, NY

179 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Ramapo, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Syracuse, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 178.5 miles from Patterson, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before NY 17 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 109.5 miles.

Arriving in Buffalo, NY

The final approach into Buffalo, NY usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Buffalo, NY.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$58.12 one way

$116.24 round trip

$4.14/gal 25.4 MPG avg 125 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.48	$62.98	$125.96
premium	$4.88	$68.63	$137.26
diesel	$5.64	$79.31	$158.63

Estimated Tolls: $0.31

Niagara Thruway (4.9 mi) $0.24

New York State Thruway (1.3 mi) $0.07

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$58

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$83–$108

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 124.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $37 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	107.1	1	$37.48	$17.14
Efficient EV	89.3	1	$31.24	$14.28
EV Truck/SUV	142.8	1	$49.98	$22.85

Gas CO2

125 kg

EV CO2

42 kg (66% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Patterson, NY

Evening in Patterson on Sunday

Local time

6:06 PM

EDT

Current temp

56°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Buffalo, NY

Evening in Buffalo on Sunday

Local time

6:06 PM

EDT

Current temp

46°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

10 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

7h 34m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Patterson, NY to Buffalo, NY covers 357 miles and takes about 7h 34m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are NY 17, I 86, Genesee Expressway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 178.5 miles from Patterson, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $58.12 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

Plan about 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Between Patterson, NY and Buffalo, NY, road signs point toward Newburgh, Binghamton and Letchworth Park.

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Trip from Patterson, NY to Buffalo, NY

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Buffalo, NY

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Patterson, NY

Buffalo, NY

Same local time

10 degrees cooler at arrival

7h 34m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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